Lighting means for instrument panels



.May 1, 1928. 1,668,515

A. R. LEWELLEN LIGHTING MEANS FOR INSTRUMENT PANEILS Filed May 22, 1925 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented May 1, 1928.

I 13,668,515 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT R. LEWELLEN', OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR T GENERAL MOTORS COR- DURATION, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

LIGHTING MEAN S FOR INSTRUMENT PANELS.

Application filed May 22, 1925. Serial No. 32,028.

The object of this invention is to provide a lighting means for an instrument panel which can be effectively combined with a conventional automobile dash and instrument panel assembly in a manner to shield downwardly upon the instruments. I have also preferably so mounted the light source as to render it readily accessible for inspection or for replacement.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a. sectional view through the instrument panel showing my illuminat ing means in position;

Figure 2 is a section on line 22 of Figure 1; and

Figure 8- is a bottom plan view of the illuminating means taken substantially on line 3-3 of Figurel.

The reference character 2 indicates generally what 1 have preferred to call the instrument panel. This panel comprises an instrument supporting part 4; which is adapted to receive the usual instruments such as the speedometer, ammeter, and oil gauge, and an overhanging part 6' which merges into the cowl structure. It is within the overhanging portion 6 that I have pro vided my illuminating means. This illuminating means consists of a light supporting structure 11 which is adapted to hold a source of light such as an ordinary incandescent bulb, in position to project its light through slot 8 formed in the under side 10 of the overhanging part 6. The light supporting means 11 is preferably formed of a sheet metal member having legs 12 for straddling the opening 8 to the opposite edges of which the ends of the legs are preferably secured by devices such as screw bolts 14; extending upwardly through apertures in the portion 10 and having threaded engagement with the ends of the legs.

The light supporting means is also pro vided with a bulb supporting device consisting of legs 16 formed into a clip extending in the same direction as legs 12 and preferably formed integrally therewith. 'lhe legs 16 snugly embrace thimble 18 which receives a socket of any suitable type adapted for cooperation with the conventional bulb 20. The socket 19 preferably has a tight fit within the thinible 18 so that the. bulb 20, the socket 19, and the thin'ible 18 may be removed as a unit. Thus the electrical con.- nections may be conveniently inspected and the bulb replaced without difficulty when this becomes necessary. 8

In assembling the structure the light supporting means 11 is secured in position by the screw bolts 14- and the assembly of bulb, socket, and thimble is positioned within the clip 16 with the bulb so situated as to throw its light downwardly upon the instrument panel. In this manner the eyes of the occupants of the car are shielded from the direct rays from the bulb and with the bulb located as shown there is no possibility of the image of the filamentbeing reflected into the eye. The structure also is inexpensive, conforms to conventional instrument panel assemblies, and at the same time provides substantially the same advantages as more elaborate systems of illumination.

I claim:

1. An instrument panel having an overhanging portion projecting outwardly beyond the instruments when in place on the panel, a source of light housed in said overhanging portion, the latter being apertured to permit the rays of light to flood the instruments.

In the combination defined in claim 1 said light source comprising an electricbulb provided with a suitable lead, and said bulb being dctachably mounted in the overhanging portion to permit its removal from the rear of the panel.

3. An instrument panel having an overhanging portion provided with a slot in the under side thereof, a. light support straddling said slot. and a light source adapted to be supported thereby to project its light through the slot.

1. The combination as set forth in claim 3, said light support being secured in position by securing devices passing upwardly through the under side of said overhanging portion and engaging said support.

In testimony whereof I alhx my signature.

ALBERT R. LEWELLEN. 

